3 Acoustic Guitar Brands for Bluegrass Players (that aren’t Martin)
For most bluegrass guitarists, it’s all about Martin Guitars.
I automatically think of Tony Rice singin’ about em on his now famous version of “Freeborn Man” from 1973.
“Well I’ve got me a Martin guitar,
I carry in an old tote sack,
Well I hocked it about 100 times but I always got it back
I’m a Freeborn man,”
But what are other acoustic brands played by bluegrass musicians?
In this quick read, I’ll chat about three non-Martin alternative brands for your bluegrass consideration.
Disclaimer: I’m not shitting on Martins, but as the go-to brand for most flat pickers, I think it’d be good to mention a couple other bluegrass contenders, especially for those looking to get more bang for their buck.
Recording King
Ok, I’m a bit partial to Recording King by this point.
Here’s why:
Last summer, I embarked to find a used reso guitar. My journey led to a Phil Ledbetter model Recording King, which I found for a $500 steal from Facebook market place. It sounded amazing, played crisply, and I was genuinely impressed with the craftmanship.
Fast forward to January 2024.
I’m piddle-paddlin around Ciderville Music in Anderson County, Tennessee with zero intention of buying a new dreadnought when I picked up a Recording King RD-328.
Needless to say I was completely blown away. And as replicas of Martin D-28s (hence the name), they come packed with impressive specs.
Solid Rosewood Back and Sides
Solid Adirondack spruce top
Rosewood Fretboard
Herringbone Purfling
These puppies are made in China, which is enough to drive some away, but I’m not one of them.
But a $3,000 dollar guitar for $800?
Yes please! I had to buy it.
The brand itself seems to be making a bit of a comeback, and truth be told, I get ALOT of positive feedback about the sound, especially with a set of Elixirs on them.
At least in my circles, it’s a strongly established consensus that Recording King is pushing out some quality instruments these days.
Other Guitars to Consider:
EASTMAN
Eastman makes amazing sounding instruments that aren’t trying to reinvent the wheel. They’re hyper-focused on hand-crating instruments that
Founded in 1992, the company’s been around long enough to be established as a top box for bluegrassers.
One of their features is their custom, TrueTone Finish. This is directly from their website:
“Truetone is our special finish that consists of a delicate balance between hardness and flexibility without compromising the resonance or signature tone that makes an Eastman. By implementing a two-part modified urethane topcoat, we created a finish that never sacrifices the sound of tradition while minimizing the footprint it leaves on our planet.“
My opinion?
Every Eastman I’ve played has packed a punch, especially for how lightweight they are. That is to say, I’ve always found them crisp and very loud.
They also come with impressive headstock inlays, or otherwise put, they’re decorated fancy!
Eastman manufactures their instruments outside Beijing, China (are you seeing a trend here?), but don’t let that stop you from testing one out, if given the chance.
Also check out:
BLUERIDGE
Blueridge guitars have been around for a while, and generally have a great reputation amongst bluegrass pickers.
They’re made by the Saga company, and I’ve seen them floating around music stores around East Tennessee, including to a recent trip to Papaw Odell’s in Cleveland.
Just like Recording Kings, they’re replicas of pre-war era instruments.
I’ve played several over the years, and have always been blown away by the sound. I had ever intention of buying a Blueridge at one point, but remember not being able to find one.
They’re aesthetically beautiful and very bright sounding guitars. Definitely check them out if you get the chance.
